Monday, March 31, 2008

Misguided Angst

A 2,400-mile move west that once seemed like a chance at a fresh start, has instead delivered some hard lessons -- especially about moving from a state that recognizes same-sex unions to one of the 21 states that don't.

The couple was stunned when Ryan was dropped from the company insurance plan the two shared in New Jersey, where they were able to register as domestic partners. Idaho does not formally recognize same-sex couples.

"It didn't even dawn on us that this would have an impact," Ryan said.

At the same time, though, the company involved is playing games that can only be described as chickens--t.

A number of private insurance companies cover same-sex partners in Idaho, said Rep. Nicole LeFavour, D-Boise, who is the state's only openly gay legislator and is covered by a Wells Fargo insurance policy with her partner of eight years.

LeFavour said she called Konica Minolta on behalf of the couple and the company cited the constitutional amendment.

Simple fact of the matter: the constitutional amendment does not preclude companies from offering domestic partner benefits in Idaho. The reason Konica Minolta is not doing so is because they are choosing not to extend domestic partner benefits to couples that aren't legally registered as domestic partners in the state in which they live.

But of course, both sides are more than happy to blame someone or something else for the problem.